Gardens
The award-winning Reddick Mansion Gardens are renowned for their beauty. They are lovingly maintained by a group of volunteers, primarily from the Ottawa Garden Club. The Reddick Mansion Association deeply appreciates their efforts.
The Reddick Mansion Gardens and Grounds are open to the public every day.
People are more than welcome to stroll through the gardens and enjoy the lush plants, beautiful flowers, and active wildlife. However, commercial or professional photographers must make arrangements before using the gardens and grounds as a backdrop for photos. Donations or corporate memberships are also expected. Click here for further details.
Certified Wildlife Habitat and Certified Butterfly Garden
In July of 2014, the Reddick Mansion Gardens were recognized as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, a “Certified Butterfly Garden” by the North American Butterfly Association, and a “Certified Monarch Watch Stop” by Monarch Watch. These honors came about due to the efforts of Nancy Barta, RMA board member and the Chair of the Gardens Committee, and her crew of volunteers who planted more than 20 varieties of plants specifically for butterflies. The NWF Certification recognizes the efforts of the Gardens Committee to create a garden space that improves habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife by providing essential elements – natural food sources, clean water, cover, and places to raise young.
Quilt Garden
New to the Reddick Mansion Gardens in the summer of 2014 was a “Quilt Garden” planted in the raised flowerbed on the east side of the Mansion. Former RMA board member Hedy Bernholdt was the inspiration for this idea after seeing several such gardens in the Amish countryside of Indiana. It was brought to life with the help of Mike Barta, who staked out the quilt design and Nancy Barta, Marge Renwick, Sue Coughlin, Jan Eichelkraut, and Diane Sanders who planted the flowers.
Eliza Jane Reddick Herb Garden – Official Illinois Herb Garden
In August of 2012, the Eliza Jane Reddick Herb Garden, created in 1995 and maintained by the Ottawa Garden Club, was certified as an “Official Illinois Herb Garden” by the Illinois Herb Association. Susan Fuller and Marge Renwick, both Master Gardeners and members of the Ottawa Garden Club were responsible for this honor. It is the only Certified Herb Garden in LaSalle County. Click here for a map of the layout of the herb garden.
“Mr. and Mrs. Reddick” tend to her herb garden.
(Chuck and Diane Sanders, President of the RMA)
Eleanor McClevey Memorial Pergola
A new addition to the Reddick Mansion Grounds is the Eleanor McClevey Memorial Pergola. Inspired by Twila Yednock and built by the Building Trades Class at Ottawa Township High School, under the direction of Dave Keely, the pergola was dedicated on May 23, 2014, in memory of Eleanor McClevey. Mrs. McClevey was actively involved in the Reddick Mansion Association from its inception. She was also the granddaughter of the Reddick Library’s first assistant librarian, Nellie Nash, who was hired in 1888.
The Pergola and Grounds are available for rent for private events, such as weddings, meetings, or parties. (Click here for rental information.)
All garden photos are courtesy of Farley Andrews, RMA Board Member.
Click below for a description of the Reddick Mansion’s Grounds.
Outbuildings / Fence